Camilla is passionate about the power of books and believes that a child’s earliest reading experiences, from babyhood through the toddler years, are the most important of their lives. A wealth of evidence shows that sharing books in the early years plays a critical role in supporting early cognitive development, nurturing the bond between children and their caregivers, and preparing them for a successful start at school.
Just as importantly, the preschool years are a crucial time for establishing the habit of shared reading within families. Without this early foundation, children are less likely to grow into confident, lifelong readers. Camilla is dedicated to helping every child benefit from the joy, connection and long-term opportunities that reading can bring.
“The foundations of reading are laid long before a child can decode words on a page."
Tracy Jackson CBE, Assistant Director of Early Years National Literacy Trust
Keynotes and speeches
As a champion of early years reading, Camilla regularly gives keynotes and speeches to educators and childcare experts. Her inspiring talks are tailored to fit individual audiences, but she usually gives an overview of the latest research and evidence on children’s reading; she drills down into the wide-ranging benefits of shared reading; and she investigates the barriers and challenges to reading in families.
She often shares the secrets behind her own creative process, and gives her insights into the key ingredients needed to devise an engaging book for babies and toddlers.
Her aim is to give every audience member a clear picture of book-sharing in the UK, and a set of easy and practical takeaways to help families start their reading journey.
Podcasts and panels
As BookTrust’s Writer in Residence in 2025 and an official ambassador for the National Year of Reading in 2026, Camilla is often invited to commentate and join discussions on early years children’s reading. She has spoken on podcasts and panels, including the CBeebies Parenting Download.
Dynamic workshops
Camilla also offers workshops for early years professionals, including teachers, practitioners, librarians and childminders, in which she explores the challenges and opportunities when it comes to engaging their families with books and shared reading. Through a combination of playful exercises and dynamic discussions, each delegate creates their own personal toolkit of practical takeaways designed to support and empower families on their reading journey.
